Airmen meet challenge, supporting surge for Operation Iraqi Freedom

Airmen with the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron load a pallet of cargo onto a C-17. Units all over base have increased the operations tempo in the last few months to help support the recent surge of servicemembers into the Operation Iraqi Freedom area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens)

Airmen meet challenge, supporting surge for Operation Iraqi Freedom

Airman 1st Class Scott Talley (left) and Senior Airman Sadarius Wright (right), both with 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron PERSCO team, review personal infomration files for accuracy. The PERSCO team here is responsible for transitioning any Airmen, Soldier, Sailor, Marine or coalition serviceman coming into or out of the Operation Iraqi Freedom theater, including any wounded personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clark Staehle)

Airmen meet challenge, supporting surge for Operation Iraqi Freedom

Published June 29, 2007
By Senior Airman Clark Staehle
379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Operations around the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have increased in recent months to help support the surge of servicemembers heading to Iraq.

On Jan. 10, President George W. Bush announced to the public his intent to increase the number of servicemembers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom area of responsibility.

"So America will change our strategy to help the Iraqis carry out their campaign to put down sectarian violence and bring security to the people of Baghdad," the president said in his address. "This will require increasing American force levels. So I've committed more than 20,000 additional American troops to Iraq."

Airmen with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing swung into action to help support the additional servicemembers and equipment.

For instance, the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron has increased their total number of crews to the largest the unit has ever seen. The squadron has also increased its number of tankers by 13 percent, which helps it deliver 4 million pounds of gas into the AOR daily.

The increase in flights means the maintainers who support those operations are busier as well as they work to support combat in the area of responsibility by repairing aircraft based here.

"Aside from a handful of additional aircraft and personnel provided to offset the extreme heat we experience in the summer (aircraft are not able to lift off with as much payload) we have absorbed this surge within our existing capacity," said Lt. Col. Scott Fike, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group deputy commander and Nancy, Ky. native. "As a result, aircraft are generating sorties at record levels as we continue to support Iraq, Afghanistan and Horn of Africa operations."

Fuel becomes as important as ever as Airmen with the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight work to meet the demand.

"The 379th AEW flying mission has increased steadily over the past 45 to 60 days because the additional demand for air assets over the battlefield," said Capt. Nick Moore, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight chief and Jackson, Tenn., native.

During that time, about 150,000 gallons of fuel have been added to the flight's daily fuel-demand rate. The unit now issues more than a million gallons of fuel every day.

"With no let down in sight, we've increased our daily receipt capability to receive 1.2 million gallons a day to meet the demand and continue sustain the 379th AEW flying mission," Capt. Moore said, who is deployed here from Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Each Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, civilian and coalition member deployed here has a hand in ensuring the surge to support OIF goes smoothly and each servicemember and piece of equipment arrives on time and is supported in the best way possible.